It was discovered in Worth Lane at Little Horsted, south of Uckfield, at around 10am.

A police spokesman said: 'The body is heavily decomposed. We are considering the possibility that it may be Diane Chenery-Wickens who has been missing from her home in Duddleswell, since January this year. It is an obvious line of enquiry.'

The body was discovered concealed in undergrowth about ten yards from the lane.

Police said there would be a significant amount of investigative work at the site before the body could be removed.

Forensic and post mortem examinations will be carried out in an attempt to establish formal identification and cause of death.

DCI Steve Johns, who is leading the investigation, said: 'Whilst the potential link with the Diane Chenery-Wickens' case is an obvious line of enquiry we need to keep an open mind until the formal identification and investigation of the scene has concluded.'

He appealed for witnesses who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area to call 0845 60 70 999.

Mrs Chenery-Wickens' husband David, 51, was arrested on suspicion of murder soon after her disappearance and released on police bail.